Choosing between a career as a plumber or an electrician? You’re not alone. Many people exploring skilled trades wonder: Does a plumber or electrician make more money? Both professions are essential, in-demand, and offer strong earning potential—but which one actually pays better? In this guide, we’ll compare real salary data, job outlooks, and long-term income opportunities to give you a clear, unbiased answer.
Average Salary: Who Earns More—Plumbers or Electricians?
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2024:
- Electricians earned a median annual wage of $60,240
- Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned a median annual wage of $60,090
At first glance, the difference is minimal—just $150 per year. However, this median doesn’t tell the full story. Top earners in both fields can significantly outpace these averages, especially with experience, specialization, or business ownership.
💡 Key Insight: While medians are nearly identical, electricians slightly edge out plumbers in national averages—but regional demand, union status, and overtime can flip this in favor of plumbers in certain areas.
For deeper context, explore the U.S. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for both electricians and plumbers .
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
Earnings in both trades grow dramatically with time. Here’s a realistic progression:
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $42,000 – $48,000 | $41,000 – $47,000 |
| Mid-Career (3–7 yrs) | $52,000 – $65,000 | $50,000 – $63,000 |
| Senior/Expert (8+ yrs) | $70,000 – $90,000+ | $68,000 – $88,000+ |
| Master/Owner | $95,000 – $150,000+ | $90,000 – $140,000+ |
🔧 Real-World Example: In high-cost states like California or New York, licensed master plumbers running their own businesses often report six-figure incomes—especially in emergency service or commercial plumbing.
Similarly, union electricians in metropolitan areas (e.g., NYC, Chicago) can earn $80,000–$110,000 with overtime during peak construction seasons.
Geographic Differences: Location Matters
Where you work heavily influences your paycheck. For instance:
- In Alaska, electricians earn a median of $85,650—the highest in the U.S.—while plumbers earn $82,300.
- In Texas, demand for both trades is high, but plumbers in oil/gas regions (like Midland) often earn 15–20% more due to industrial contracts.
- In Florida, aging infrastructure and hurricane-related repairs boost plumber call-outs, leading to higher overtime and emergency rates.
🌎 Pro Tip: Use the BLS State Occupational Employment Data to compare local wages before choosing your path.
Job Growth & Future Outlook
Both careers are projected to grow faster than average:
- Electricians: 6% growth (2022–2032)
- Plumbers: 5% growth (2022–2032)
That translates to roughly 70,000 new electrician jobs and 50,000 new plumber jobs over the decade.
But the type of growth differs:
- Electricians benefit from renewable energy (solar panel installations), EV charging infrastructure, and smart home tech.
- Plumbers gain from aging pipe systems, water conservation regulations, and green building codes (e.g., tankless water heaters).
Both paths offer long-term stability, but electricians may have a slight edge in tech-driven markets.
Pros and Cons: Plumbing vs. Electrical Work
✅ Plumbing Pros:
- Less exposure to high-voltage risks
- High demand for emergency services (24/7 income potential)
- Easier to start a solo business with minimal equipment
❌ Plumbing Cons:
- Physically demanding (crawling, lifting, working in tight spaces)
- Exposure to sewage, mold, and biohazards
- Seasonal slowdowns in some regions (e.g., frozen pipes in winter = busy; summer = slower)
✅ Electrical Pros:
- Cleaner work environments (often indoors, climate-controlled)
- Strong union representation in many areas
- Opportunities in tech-adjacent fields (automation, data centers)
❌ Electrical Cons:
- Higher risk of injury (electrocution, arc flashes)
- Requires rigorous licensing and code updates
- More classroom time during apprenticeship
⚖️ Balance: If you value physical resilience and independence, plumbing might suit you. If you prefer technical problem-solving with structured advancement, consider electrical work.
Can You Earn More by Owning a Business?
Absolutely. Self-employed tradespeople often double their income within 5–7 years.
- A solo plumber charging $125/hour for drain cleaning or leak repair (common rates in urban areas) can net $80,000–$120,000 after expenses.
- An electrical contractor managing small commercial jobs (e.g., office rewiring) can bill $150–$200/hour and scale with a team.
📈 Case Study: Mike T., a master electrician in Denver, started his LLC in 2018. By 2024, his 4-person crew generated $650,000 in revenue, with Mike taking home $135,000 after payroll and overhead.
Both trades have low startup costs compared to other small businesses—typically $10K–$25K for tools, insurance, and licensing.
Which Career Has Better Upside Potential?
Long-term, both can be highly lucrative, but your success depends on:
- Certifications: Master licenses, backflow prevention (plumbing), or NICET (electrical) boost credibility and rates.
- Specialization: Medical gas plumbing or industrial electrical work pays premium wages.
- Business Acumen: Marketing, customer service, and scheduling efficiency directly impact profit.
🧠 Expert Take: “I’ve seen plumbers and electricians both retire as millionaires,” says Carla Mendez, a career counselor at TradesFirst Academy. “The real difference isn’t the trade—it’s your hustle.”
For more on career pathways in skilled trades, see the Wikipedia overview on vocational education .
FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Q: Do union plumbers or electricians make more?
A: Union electricians typically earn 10–20% more due to standardized pay scales and benefits. However, union plumbers in major cities (e.g., Boston, Seattle) can match or exceed those wages, especially with pension and healthcare packages.
Q: Which trade takes less time to learn?
A: Both require 4–5 years of apprenticeship (around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training). Electricians often spend slightly more time in classroom instruction due to complex code requirements.
Q: Can I switch from plumbing to electrical (or vice versa)?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to complete a new apprenticeship or meet state-specific crossover requirements. Some states offer credit for prior trade experience.
Q: Who makes more in emergencies—plumbers or electricians?
A: Plumbers often win here. Burst pipes, sewage backups, and no-hot-water calls drive after-hours premiums ($150–$300/hour). Electrical emergencies (e.g., power outages) are rarer and often handled by utility companies.
Q: Is one trade more future-proof?
A: Both are resilient, but electricians may have an edge due to electrification trends (EVs, solar, smart homes). However, plumbers are irreplaceable—water and waste systems will always need maintenance.
Q: Do women earn the same in these trades?
A: Data shows equal pay for equal work once licensed. However, women represent only ~3% of plumbers and ~2% of electricians, so mentorship and networking are key to overcoming industry barriers.
Conclusion
So—does a plumber or electrician make more money? The honest answer: It’s a tie, with slight advantages depending on your location, goals, and effort.
Both professions offer:
- Strong starting salaries
- Clear paths to six-figure incomes
- Job security in any economy
- The freedom to work for yourself
If you value immediate hands-on problem-solving and aren’t afraid of messy jobs, plumbing could be your path. If you enjoy technical systems, diagnostics, and evolving technology, electrical work might fit better.
👉 Ready to decide? Share this guide with someone considering a trade career—and tag them on social media! Your next move could spark a lifetime of financial freedom.
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